As the launch of next-generation AMD Radeon graphics cards is approaching, the rumours about Nvidia Corp.’s intention to release more competing solutions also begin to mount. According to the latest bits of unofficial information, Nvidia mulls release of more graphics solutions based on GK110 graphics processing units. But while Nvidia can build a new product, will it actually help it to maintain sales in the high-end segment?

According to a rumour published at VideoCardz web-site, Nvidia is “is quietly planning to launch more models this year”. In addition to various affordable products, the company is also believed to be “working on a new high-end model”. Given the fact that Maxwell product family is a couple of quarters away (due to delay of 20nm ramp up at TSMC), it is safe to assume that Nvidia plans to release a product or two based on GK110 graphics chip, which already powers GeForce GTX Titan and GeForce GTX 780. The question is, what is it going to be? A GeForce GTX Titan powered by fully-fledged GK110 chip with 2880 stream processors, or a GeForce GTX 790 featuring two GK110 chips?

While nothing particular is known about the new flagship product from AMD’s graphics business unit, it is logical to assume that it will be around 30% - 40% faster than the Radeon HD 7970 graphics card. It is also dubious that AMD intends to sell a single-chip flagship graphics solution for $1000, a $599 price-tag is more likely. The current GeForce GTX Titan is 12% - 52% speedier (20% - 30% on average) than the Radeon HD 7970, depending on application. Therefore, in the vast majority of cases the new flagship from AMD will likely dethrone the GeForce GTX Titan as the world’s highest-performing single-chip graphics solution.

But will a faster GeForce GTX Titan or two GK110s on one graphics board help Nvidia to boost the high-end sales? It is doubtful.

While a consumer-class graphics card powered by a fully-fledged GK110 with 2880 stream processor is possible, it will not boost performance truly significantly, but will be rather hard to make and therefore expensive. This hypothetical product will inevitably replace GeForce GTX Titan, which retails for $999, but will compete against a new product that is expected to be more affordable. Not a good situation.

Nvidia could also release an all-new dual-chip graphics solution based on various versions of GK110 (with 2688 stream processors or with 2304 stream processors) and declare the world’s highest-performing single-card graphics product. While this is naturally a possibility, its price – from $1300 to $1999 – may be just too high even for enthusiasts.

All-in-all, while Nvidia’s mighty GK110 graphics processing unit based on Kepler architecture still has a lot of potential, new products on its base should currently be considered as options Nvidia may have, not as something that is truly incoming.

Discussion

Great! The more Nvidia refines processes on these complex and high end chips the better for the consumer. In 36 to 48 months GPUs will be on smaller nodes, use less power, and increase performance
dramatically. Titan will be solid low-mid range performance and the cutting edge probably 3-4x above it.